Truly Dreadful Film

Sadly Over-hyped

Great Film overall

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

This is a lovely film that I looked for for years, after seeing it on British TV. It gently takes a swipe at human understanding (or lack of), chiding us also for wanting to be self-important whilst losing sight of what is really important in life, but then reminds us that if we stop looking for somebody to come in and make a grand gesture of change in our lives, we can see the small miracles that already have power in our lives. There are some truly fine performances here, especially in the on screen relationship between Mare Winningham and Ruben Blades. Peter Fonda's work here is every bit as crafted and lean as his earlier work in "The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things." Eddy Martin is a gem of a find as the young Mexican boy at the centre of events. Salma Hayek, as a debuting director, is to be commended.

This is a great family film. The characters are interesting and you find yourself getting involved with the story and really caring about how it will end. Eddy Martin is a treasure ! He's not yet been robbed of the sweetness of youth that makes him so real. Peter Fonda is a little stiff in his character. Mare Winningham gives a touching performance. You will laugh at yourself while, at the same time, do some soul searching before being too critical. The bottom line, if you like a family movie with a religious flavor and inspirational ending....get this movie. I will be looking for more movies with Eddy Martin. Hopefully someone needing a great young actor will sign him to a contract.

If you want to see a beautiful movie that will bring tears and an uplifting feeling of joy, watch, 'The Miracle at Maldonado.' Ruben Blades turns in one of his best performances, and Peter Fonda plays a wonderfully under-stated Priest. Eddy Martin, who plays Jose, has a wonderful radiance and a maturity beyond his years. The movie is first time directed by Salma Hyek, one of my favorite actresses. Frankly I am amazed at the job Salma has done with this movie. What could have been just another low budget movie with has been actors turns out to be something very special. If this movie doesn't get at least an oscar mention, 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark.' Mare Winningham lends kind of believability to her role transcends acting. Do yourself a favor, watch this one. You'll be glad you did.

It was a pleasant surprise to see this charming little film directed with a lot of love by Salma Hayek. She has learned her craft well by just looking from the other side of the camera.It is a very simple story that shows the power of the media in creating the right atmosphere for people in need to believe in something, given the right ingredients. There will always be those who will not question anything in life, but will trust blindly what is given to them as truth.The town where the so called miracle occurs has seen better days, but it's now abandoned, a ghost town in the West. More interestingly, is the fact that such a small community has a priest in the local church. This Father Russell is reluctant to have his church become a three ring circus, but lets the show go on, against his better judgment. The miracle happens in many ways, as suddenly, for whatever reasons, his little church is the center of devotion from those who come in need. At the end, a real miracle has occurred in more ways than one.Peter Fonda plays Father Russell with conviction. Mare Winningham, as the owner of the cafe, is very good, as is Ruben Blades' Cruz, secretly in love with her.For being her first feature, this was a treat.